Time travellers turn back the clock at Temple Newsam

Colourful characters plucked from the pages of history will come face-to-face with visitors in the stunning surroundings of modern day Temple Newsam.

The estate’s amazing Time Travellers weekend will see a line-up of Saxon warriors, Tudor lords and ladies and Yorkshire pit workers give a captivating insight into the unique heritage of one of the city’s best-loved locations.

The event takes place on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 at the historic mansion and farm, with living history performers retelling the fascinating stories behind the people who have called the site home over the centuries.

At Home Farm there will be the chance to try traditional Tudor bread-making and the art of crafting medieval tiles.

The fearsome Waendelingas Warriors will also be recruiting little warriors and teaching them how to use wooden swords and shields like the Saxon warriors of old.

Historical dancers will be performing in the Picture Gallery of the house on both days, on Saturday July 6, actor Chris Cade will be taking on the role of the Victorian butler. And visitors can also see what Temple Newsam was like in the First World War, when it was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.

Demonstrations of the famous Pyke Clock will be taking place and a display of delicious meals through the ages will also recreate the mealtimes of past residents.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for the environment and active lifestyles said:

“Temple Newsam has been part of the city’s heritage for hundreds of years and those who have lived and worked there through the ages have experienced some fascinating moments in history.

“This event will give visitors a chance to find out more about what their lives were like and the contributions they have all made to the story of the estate.”

Activities are included with entry to the house and farm. For more details, including admission times and prices, please visit: leeds.gov.uk/TempleNewsam

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 378 9182 (please note my new number)

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

Temple Newsam house showcases over 40 interiors and one of the most important collections of fine and decorative arts in Britain which were designated as being of pre-eminent importance in 1997 (the first country house to be recognised in this way). It is a treasure house of outstanding collections including furniture, ceramics, textiles, silver and wallpaper.

The house captures over 500 years of history and this is key to the visitor experience. The house is brought to life by telling the stories of the people who lived and worked there, through all art forms including digital, music, theatre and fine art.

The collections show how the house was used as a family home, which was once birthplace to Lord Darnley, notorious husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Across the historic courtyard is also Home Farm, a working farm and one of the largest rare breed centres in Europe.

All the animals at Home Farm are Native to the UK and most are classed as Rare Breeds by the Rare Breed Survival Trust. As a rare breeds centre we help to ensure the continuation of some of the oldest breeds of farm animals in the country, and provide a living legacy people can enjoy now and in the future. The estate is also set within 1500 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscape, boasting paths and trails for cycling, walking and riding, an 18th century Walled Garden and national plant collections.

Address: Temple Newsam Road, Leeds LS15 0ADTelephone Number: 0113 3367460Website Address: www.leeds.gov.uk/templenewsam